# Sphynx Cat (*Felis catus*)

A Sphynx Cat is a hairless cat with wrinkled skin and big ears. It is warm to the touch and loves to cuddle for warmth.

- **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Indoor homes; warm blankets and cozy spots
- **Also known as:** Canadian Sphynx, Hairless Cat

![Sphynx Cat](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426418/objects/4440.jpg)

## Appearance

The Sphynx Cat is a distinctive hairless cat, showcasing wrinkled skin that can be various colors like pink, black, or tortie. It has large, expressive lemon-shaped eyes and oversized ears, making its head appear small in comparison.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Mammalia
- **Order:** Carnivora
- **Family:** Felidae
- **Genus:** Felis

## Interesting facts

- Despite being 'hairless,' Sphynx cats are often covered in fine, downy fuzz!
- Sphynx cats need regular baths because their skin produces oil, usually absorbed by fur!
- Their skin comes in every color and pattern imaginable, just like a furry cat's coat!
- They often purr much louder than other cats, especially when they are happy!

## Special abilities

- **Warmth Seeker:** Sphynx Cat has a higher body temperature that helps them stay cozy, often seeking warm laps or sunny spots.
- **Super Snuggler:** Sphynx Cat has an affectionate personality that helps them bond closely with humans, often seeking cuddles for warmth.
- **Radar Ears:** Sphynx Cat has exceptionally large ears that help them pick up tiny sounds, making them very alert and curious.

## Measurements & details

- **Length:** 30-40 cm
- **Weight:** 3.5-7 kg
- **Lifespan:** 8-14 years
- **Speed:** 30 km/h
- **Litter Size:** 1-8
- **Gestation:** 63-65 days

## Diet & Feeding

Sphynx Cats need a balanced diet of meat and nutrients to stay healthy and strong.

- **Primary Foods:** cat kibble, wet cat food, cooked chicken, fish

## Ecological connections

- **Hunts:** [House Mouse](https://www.snappit.app/explore/house-mouse) (*Mus musculus*) — Hunts small rodents for sport, instinctually.
- **Parasitizes:** Cat Flea (*Ctenocephalides felis*) — Tiny insects that feed on their skin and cause itching.
- **Parasitizes:** Cat Roundworm (*Toxocara cati*) — Internal worms that can live in their intestines.

## Traits

- [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
- [Whiskered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/whiskered): Possessing prominent sensory hairs or vibrissae, often around the snout.
- [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
- [Thermoregulating](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/thermoregulating): Thermoregulating organisms maintain a stable internal body temperature despite fluctuations in the external environment.
- [Domesticated](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/domesticated): Domesticated refers to species that have been selectively bred and tamed by humans for specific purposes.
- [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
- [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
- [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.

## Collections

- [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/mammals)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Keep them warm and indoors; avoid letting them stay in direct sun for too long.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Sphynx Cat?

Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How long is Sphynx Cat?

30-40 cm

### How much does Sphynx Cat weigh?

3.5-7 kg

### How long does Sphynx Cat live?

8-14 years

### How fast can Sphynx Cat move?

30 km/h

### What does Sphynx Cat eat?

Sphynx Cats need a balanced diet of meat and nutrients to stay healthy and strong.

### Where is Sphynx Cat usually found?

Indoor homes; warm blankets and cozy spots

### How many babies does Sphynx Cat usually have?

1-8

## More Mammals

- [Eastern Fox Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fox-squirrel) (*Sciurus niger*)
- [Eastern Cottontail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-cottontail) (*Sylvilagus floridanus*)
- [Eastern Chipmunk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-chipmunk) (*Tamias striatus*)
- [California Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-ground-squirrel) (*Otospermophilus beecheyi*)

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Source: [Sphynx Cat: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/sphynx-cat)
